NATO Condemns Russia's Withdrawal from European Security Treaty

NATO condemned Russia's decision on Tuesday to withdraw from the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, a key post-Cold War treaty. The alliance stated that it "intends, therefore, to suspend the treaty as long as necessary." In a statement, NATO said: "NATO condemns Russia's decision to withdraw from the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe and its aggressive war on Ukraine, which contradicts the treaty's objectives. Russia's withdrawal is the latest link in a series of actions that systematically undermine Euro-Atlantic security." Furthermore, it added: "Therefore, the member states of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe intend to suspend the treaty as long as necessary, in accordance with their rights under international law. This decision is fully supported by all alliance members." Earlier on Tuesday, Russia officially withdrew from this important security treaty that defined key categories of conventional armed forces, blaming the United States for undermining post-Cold War security by expanding the NATO military alliance.